Tunable bragg grating devices employing the same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to electro-optically active waveguide segments, and more particularly to the use of a selective voltage input to control the phase, frequency and/or amplitude of a propagating wave in the waveguide. Particular device structures and methods of manufacturing are described herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a division of co-pending U.S. patentapplication No. 09/246,125, entitled “Tunable Bragg Gratings and DevicesEmploying the Same,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,565, filed Feb. 8, 1999,which in turn claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/074,040, entitled “Advanced Electro-Optic Poled Waveguide Devices andNew Lightwave System Applications Thereof” filed Feb. 9, 1998, nowabandoned. The entire disclosure and contents of the above-mentionedapplications are hereby incorporated by reference.

This application refers to the following U.S. Patents. The first is U.S.Pat. No. 5,617,449, entitled “Technique for Fabrication of a PoledElectroOptic Fiber Segment,” issued Apr. 1, 1997. The second is U.S.Pat. No. 5,830,622, entitled “Optical Grating,” issued Nov. 3, 1998.Both of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

This invention is made with government support under AFSOR grant numberF49620-96-1-0079, awarded by the United States Department of Defense.The government may have certain rights in this invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to electro-optically activewaveguide segments, and more particularly to the use of a selectivevoltage input to control the phase, frequency and/or amplitude of apropagating wave in the waveguide.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Modulation and switching of optical signals are basic functions in anoptical communication system. Through modulation, the information to becommunicated is expressed in one or more parameters of a light signal,such as the amplitude, the polarization, the phase or frequency of thefield, or of the magnitude or spatial distribution of the power and/orintensity. Through switching, the light signal may be routed through anetwork of optical nodes and connections. Optical connections are mostlyrealized with the help of glass fibers.

Moreover, standard glass fibers are not polarization-retaining, whereasmany optical devices, such as receivers, switches, and modulators, arepolarization sensitive. With a view towards low cost mass production,precisely integrated embodiments are of great importance for large-scaleintroduction such as, e.g., in optical communication and/or distributionnetworks with large numbers of connections. Therefore, a cheap, stableand electrically controllable polarization control devices are needed tosatisfy a long felt need in the communication industry.

Several devices have been disclosed that provide phase control. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,407, by Brueck et al, discloses the use ofthermal poling in a waveguide to establish a preferred non-linearity.One significant drawback to this approach is that this non-linearity mayonly be achieved along one axis. Additionally, the non-linearity isgenerated only on one side of the sample, e.g., the positive biased sideof the sample and therefore does not effect a wavefront in a consistentmanner across the wavefront. Finally, to avoid breakdown, a significantportion of the cladding layer is removed and thus the optical loss inthis device is significant.

Fujiwara et al. discloses, in an article entitled “UV Excited Poling andElectrically Tunable Bragg Gratings in a Germanosilicate Fiber,” twoinnovations: 1) the use of an ultraviolet (UV) beam in combination withan applied electric field to produce poling; and 2) the use of twointernal electrodes for applying a voltage across a Bragg grating. Theirtechnique, however, has a number of drawbacks. Specifically, the fiberis drawn from a preform with two holes for electrode wires that are tobe inserted following the fiber drawing. This wire insertion is adifficult manufacturing step. To avoid breakdown, one wire is insertedfrom each end of the fiber. This means that the modulation frequency islimited to low values since a high-speed traveling wave geometry is notpossible. Furthermore, splicing to either end of the fiber is notpossible because of the electrodes. Thus, discrete optical systemalignment for coupling into the fibers would be necessary and wouldnegate any benefit from an electro-optically active fiber segment.Additionally, the use of UV poling as taught by Fujiwara et al. has theadded disadvantage of requiring custom fabrication of a preform that arerelatively difficult to fabricate.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,499, by Brueck et al., discloses a poledelectro-optic fiber segment as illustrated in FIG. 1 of the presentapplication. The device comprises a first electrical contact 1, a fibercore 2, a cladding 3, and a second electrical contact 4. As may be seen,a significant portion of cladding 3 has been removed. Thus, the opticalloss in this device may be significant. Additionally, the modulationfrequency is limited to low values since a high-speed travelling wavegeometry is significantly restricted. Finally, the Brueck et al. deviceis limited to temperature/electric poling because access to core 2 viacladding 3 is impaired by first electrical contact 1 and the bottomelectrical contact 4 making it difficult to perform UV poling in such astructure. Further, poling using elevated temperatures may significantlydegrade the reflectivity of a Bragg grating disposed in the poledwaveguide.

Therefore, there needs to be an easily manufactured poled electro-opticfiber segment which allows for poling by: 1) voltage, 2) ultravioletradiation, 3) thermal heating, or 4) any combination of the above.

The use of tunable Bragg gratings is known in the prior art. Thesegratings have been controlled by thermal tuning, piezoelectric tuning,Fabry-Perot tuning, and refractive index tuning in bulk semiconductors.Each of these methods of tuning has disadvantages associated with them.In particular, the speed of tuning is in the range of a few millisecondsfor thermal tuning and a few μsec for piezoelectric tuning.Additionally, such methods have the disadvantage of applying stress onan optical fiber that can reduce the strength of the fiber over a periodof time. Finally, these methods tend to be very bulky. On the otherhand, integration of bulk non-linear materials such as lithium niabateto a fiber segment is lossy, expensive and is not desirable. Therefore,other methods of tuning a Bragg grating are needed.

The first optical grating or so-called Bragg grating was made in 1978using the standing wave pattern originating from two counter-propagatingbeams in a Ge-doped core optical fiber. Since that time, techniques havebeen developed to exploit the photosensitivity of germanosilicatefibers, the photosensitivity being established by the bleaching ofoxygen deficient centers by UV light to create the regions of differingrefractive index. The refractive index change, which is induced by theUV light, arises from the creation of polarizable color centers andstructural rearrangement of the glass network.

While these gratings have evolved, an efficient control system for thistype of grating has not yet been demonstrated. Several attempts todevelop such as control system have fallen short of the goal of acommercially usable device. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,499, byBrueck et al, discloses the use of a Bragg grating in a poled device,but provides no leaching of control. Additionally, Fujiwara et al.discloses the use of a Bragg grating in their device, but provides noteaching of control. Unfortunately, both these devices have thedrawbacks discussed above.

Therefore, there needs to be an easily manufactured electro-optic fibersegment having a tunable Bragg Grating which reduces the possibly ofbreakdown during poling while achieving a smaller dimmension betweenelectrodes without producing a high loss for the mode of propagation inthe core region or without degrading the Bragg grating.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a poledelectro-optic waveguide segment which allows for poling by: 1) voltage,2) ultraviolet radiation, 3) thermal heating, or 4) any combination ofthe above.

It is yet another object to provide a means for allowing polarizationcontrol of a signal in a waveguide by a selective voltage input.

It is a further object to provide an electro-optic fiber segment havinga tunable Bragg grating which reduces the possibly of breakdown duringpoling while achieving a smaller dimmension between electrodes withoutproducing a high ion for the mode of propagation in the core region orwithout degrading the Bragg grating.

It is yet another object to provide a tunable Bragg grating which doesnot increase signal loss due to attenuation in the cladding layer.

It is yet another object to provide optical systems which utilizetunable Bragg gratings and tunable bioinfringent devices.

In all of the above embodiments, it is an object to provide anelectro-optic waveguide segment that may be easily attached toconventional waveguides.

Finally, it is an object of the invention to provide an electro-opticwaveguide which may be poled by using an external electrode which isdisposed in a recess in the cladding material.

Other objects and features of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art electro-optic waveguidesegment;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a electro-optic waveguide segmentconstructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a electro-optic waveguide segmentconstructed in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded detail view of the recess of FIGS. 2, 3, and 5;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a electro-optic waveguide segmentconstructed in accordance with another alternate embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a electro-optic waveguide segmentconstructed in accordance with yet another alternate embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 7 is a graph of transmitted intensity v. wavelength for theelectro-optic waveguide illustrated in FIG. 6 and constructed inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a modulator utilizing theelectro-optic waveguide illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a graph of intensity v. wavelength for the modulatorillustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is block diagram of a Michelson interferometer utilizing theelectro-optic waveguide illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a frequency modulator utilizing theelectro-optic waveguide illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a wavelength add-drop multiplexer orfilter constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention and utilizing the electro-optic waveguides illustrated inFIGS. 2, 3, and 5;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a high-speed 1×2 switch constructed inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention and utilizingthe electro-optic waveguides illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an amplitude modulator constructed inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention and utilizingthe electro-optic waveguides illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a reflection isolator for a polarizedsource constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention and utilizing the electro-optic waveguides illustrated inFIGS. 2, 3, and 5; and

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of the isolatorillustrated in FIG. 15, but having an unpolarized source.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Before a substantive discussion of the preferred embodiment may begin,it is essential to define several key terms.

The term “waveguide” is used in this application to mean any device usedto channel an optical signal, at any frequency. Specific examples ofwaveguides include, but are not limited to: fiber-optic waveguides,planar glass, as well as crystalline and semiconductor waveguides.

The term “fiber optic cable” or “fiber optic waveguide” is used in thisapplication to mean any waveguide utilized to guide light waves from onepoint to another. This definition specifically includes both single modeand multi-mode fibers as well as any waveguide having anycross-sectional shape. In addition, this term also includes anywaveguide whether doped or undoped.

The term “input voltage” is used in this application to mean any voltagethat is applied to the devices discussed below. In particularembodiments, specific voltages are used. Examples of these voltagesinclude, but are not limited to: a DC voltage, an AC voltage, and pulsedvoltage.

The term “electrical contact” is used in this application to mean anymaterial having the property of electrical conductivity. Examples ofelectrical contacts include, but are not limited to: knife edges,cono-fusical projections, wires made with either metallic, semi-metallicor semi-conducting materials, and conventional planar and non-planardeposited materials.

The term “Bragg grating” is used in this application to mean a structurecontaining alternating periodic segments of varying periods of high andlow refractive index material segments and/or appropriately embeddedphase shift segments at well defined locations of the structure. Aperiod is defined as one set of adjacent high and low refractivematerial segments. It is understood by this definition that the order ofthe high and low material is irrelevant, only that there is a change inrefractive index between adjacent segments. While only uniform gratingsare illustrated, non-uniform gratings are also contemplated within thescope of the invention.

The term “dopant” is used in this application to mean any extraneouselement or combination thereof which is added to a material to enhanceor suppress a characteristic of that material. Examples of dopantsinclude, but are not limited to: germanium (Ge), hydrogen (H), sodium(Na), lithium (Li), lead (Pb), zirconium (Zr), zinc (Zn), erbium (Er),praseodymium (Pr), thulium (Tm), potassium (K) and calcium. Theparticular characteristics of interest in this application arephotosensitivity of the material and/or non-linearity created due topoling.

The term “recess” or “groove” is used in this application to mean anyremoval of material in the cladding. The recess or groove is defined bya surface which is controlled by the variables R and α. In a preferredembodiment, α would be between 0 and <=180 degrees and R would bebetween 0 and +infinity, and from −infinity to −r, i.e., having aconcave or convex surface, respectively. Additionally, r is defined asthe closet radius of curvature of a near circular waveguide core. Itshould be appreciated that recesses or grooves may be part of a preformor formed after waveguide creation. Additionally, recesses or groovesmay or may not extend the entire direction of propagation of thewaveguide.

Poled Electro-Optic Waveguide

With reference to the Figures, wherein like references charactersindicate like elements throughout the several views and, in particular,with reference to FIG. 2, a electro-optic waveguide segment 10 isillustrated. The electro-optic fiber segment 10 comprises a fiber-opticwaveguide 12 having a core 14 and cladding 16. Disposed in contact withwaveguide 12 is a first electrical contact 18 and a second electricalcontact 20 preferably on opposite sides of waveguide 12.

It should be appreciated that any waveguide may be used in the poledelectro-optic Device. The following discussion addresses the use of afiber optic waveguide to illustrate how the teachings of the presentinvention may be utilized in an optical system. The teachings of thisinvention may be used with any of the waveguides defined above.

In a preferred embodiment waveguide 12 is a D-shaped fiber opticwaveguide having a 2×4 μm core and having a germanium oxide (GeO₂)dopant with a concentration of between 0% and 30%. Preferably, a 15%GeO₂ doping would be utilized. Such a fiber is commercially availablefrom KVH Corporation. It should be appreciated that while germanium is apreferred dopant, other dopants such as (but not limited to) hydrogen,sodium, lithium, lead, zirconium, and zinc may be utilized. The purposeof these dopants is to increase the photosensitivity of core 14 ofwaveguide 12. Therefore, any dopant may be utilized in conjunction withthe teachings of this invention so long as the dopant has the propertyof enhancing photosensitivity.

Additionally, other approaches to increasing photosensitivity may beemployed with the teachings of this invention. For example, thefabrication of waveguide 12 maybe conducted in a reduced pressureenvironment that has the effect of increasing photosensitivity ofwaveguide 12. It should be appreciated that the above example is merelyillustrative of one way in which photosensitivity is effected byfabrication of waveguide 12 and that any other fabrication technique maybe utilized with the teachings of this invention.

As may be seen in the fully manufactured device illustrated in FIGS. 5and 6, a voltage is applied to second electrical contact 20. Contact 18is in turn connected to ground and thus completes the electricalcircuit. The specific voltage that is applied is critical in theoperation of the device. Particular voltages and their effect shall bedescribed in conjunction with the device descriptions provided below.

We shall first describe in general terms the manufacturing process forelectro-optic fiber segment 10. As discussed above, a conventionalwaveguide 12 is utilized in this invention. This waveguide preferably isdoped with a material that will enhance photosensitivity or is processedin a manner to allow for the same. Examples of dopants include, but arenot limited to: germanium (Ge), hydrogen (H), sodium (Na), lithium (Li),lead (Pb), zirconium (Zr), zinc (Zn), erbium (Er), praseodymium (Pr),thulium (Tm), potassium (K) and calcium. These enhanced waveguides arecommercially available and therefore will not be described in detail.

The first step is the formation of grooves 26 by the removal ofselective portions of cladding 16 of the preform before waveguide 12 isdrawn. The main purpose of this step is to assure that grooves 26 havean outer dimension that is less than an unmodified section of cladding16. It should be appreciated that the more cladding 16 material one isable to remove, the lower the voltage required in the poling step. Whilethis step has been described as conducted in the preform stage, itshould be appreciated that this step may be performed even after theformation of waveguide 12.

Turning now to FIG. 4, an exploded view of groove 26 is provided. As maybe seen groove 26 has a surface 19 which is shown to be smooth andtapered for clarity. It should be appreciated that surface 19 may beabrupt and/or irregular without departing from the scope of theinvention. As illustrated groove 26 is provided with a concave segmentin contact with cladding 16 and has a surface 19 which is defined by Rand α. In a preferred embodiment, α would be between 0 and <=180 degreesand R would be between 0 and +infinity, and from −infinity to −r, i.e.,having a concave or convex surface 19, respectively. Additionally, r isdefined as the closet radius of curvature of a near circular waveguidecore.

Next, a first electrically conductive material 20 may be depositedwithin grooves 26, thereby forming a first electrode 20. A majorimprovement of this invention is the use of cono-fusical projections 22and 24 with and without first constructing electrode 20. Examples ofcono-fusical projections 22 and 24 include, but are not limited to:knife edge, wires made with either metallic, semi-metallic orsemi-conducting materials, and conventional planar and non-planardeposited materials. The use of these projections 22 and 24 allow for amuch simplified manufacturing process. As maybe seen in FIGS. 2 and 3,projections 22 and 24 are disposed in good electrical contact withgroove or removed region 26. In a preferred embodiment, theseprojections would be in direct contact with the bottom of groove 26. Byutilizing such a structure, the voltage that may be applied prior tobreakdown may be significantly higher than that of either Brueck et al.or Fujiwara et al.

The use of such projections solves a long-felt need in the industry fora simple low-cost fabrication of waveguides 10, 10′, 10″, and 10′″. Thisis because one is able to position projections 22 and 24 very close tocore 14 without significantly degrading either the structural integrityof waveguide segment 12 or the operational characteristics of waveguidesegment 12. Another important feature of this approach is the ability tosignificantly reduce or eliminate any air gaps or pockets (as occurs inprior art devices) between projections 22,24 and cladding 16. These airgaps are a significant factor in the voltage needed for polling of suchdevices. Additionally, by using this approach, the modulation frequencyis no longer limited to low values as in Fujiwara et al. since ahigh-speed travelling wave geometry is now possible. Furthermore,splicing to either end of the fiber is quite easy because of theelectrodes would be disposed in groove 26. Thus, discrete optical systemalignment for coupling into the fibers is no longer necessary. Finally,UV poling is possible with this device since access to cladding 16 isnot inhibited.

While we have discussed placing projections 22,24 in direct contact withcladding 16, it should be appreciated that cladding 16 may be entirelyremoved and projections 22,24 may contact core 14. Additionally, acontact 20,20 may be placed between projections 22,24 and core 14 asillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

After projections 22,24 have been placed, waveguide segment 12 is poledusing at least a electric field applied to projections 22,24 to inducean non-linearity in waveguide segment 12. It should be appreciated thatby selecting the appropriate voltage, one may generate a specificnon-linearity. Examples of these voltages include, but are not limitedto: a DC voltage, an AC voltage, and pulsed. In a preferred embodiment,a DC voltage having a magnitude of 4 Kv was applied for 15 minutes.

One major improvement contemplated by this invention is the ability topole waveguide segment 12 by using an applied voltage alone.

It should be appreciated that while the invention contemplates the useof only one input to pole waveguide 12, one may utilize the well knownapproaches of either Brueck et al. or Fujiwara et al. with the teachingsof this invention. By this, applicant means that the poling step may beperformed using ultraviolet light injected into cladding 16 incombination with said predetermined electric field, as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3. It should be appreciated that UV poling has produced thelargest non-linearity, e.g. r₃₃=6.0 pm/V. Additionally, the poling stepmay be performed using the electrical field in combination with heatingwaveguide segment 12. Finally, all three inputs may be combined tosignificantly reduce the magnitude and/or duration of the predeterminedelectric field. It should be appreciated that while FIGS. 2 and 3illustrate only one combination, any of the above combinations may beutilized with the teachings in these figures.

It should be appreciated that while the preferred embodiment utilizesprojections 22,24, there are other methods of accomplishing this step.For example, contacts 18,20 may be formed before the poling step toallow an electrical interface to core 14.

The next step involves the placement of another electrode 18. It shouldbe appreciated that there are several ways in which this step may beaccomplished. The first method for accomplishing this is to placewaveguide segment 10′ on a second electrically conductive material 18which is not in contact with electrode 20. In this manner, an electricalcircuit is formed.

The physical affixing of waveguide segment 10 to electrically conductivematerial 18 may be accomplished in many ways well known in the prior artand therefore will not be discussed in any detail. After contacts 18 and20 are positioned, waveguide 12 may be poled as discussed above. Itshould be appreciated that the teachings of the two embodiments may becombined in that one projection 20 or 22 may be used in conjunction withone or more contacts 18 and/or 20.

Finally, in one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, conductivematerial 20 may also be transparent. This would allow the ability tocompletely fill grooves 26 as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6. This hasa significant advantage in that it overcomes a major problem with priorart devices. By having optical material replaced in grooves 26,structural integrity of waveguide 12 is maintained. Thus, making iteasier to package. Additionally, high modulation frequencies should bemore obtainable for all of these structures.

Now that we have discussed the manufacturing of electro-optic waveguidesegment 10, we will discuss its operation. Turning to FIG. 5,electro-optic waveguide segment 10 has been processed as describedabove. In particular, it has been poled to create a non-linearity thatbehaves differently in two orthogonal axes.

When voltage is applied to poled waveguide section 10, a phase shiftcreated which is different for the two orthogonal polarization modes ofwaveguide 10. By applying appropriate voltages, one may introducedifferent phase shifts which scatter the input polarization mode to anyother polarization mode and hence functions like a variable waveplatethat is governed by the equation below:$V_{\pi} = \frac{D\quad\lambda_{0}\quad 1}{L_{n}^{3}\left( {r_{33} - r_{31}} \right)}$where V_(π) is the voltage required to introduce a π phase shift betweenthe two orthogonal linear eigenmodes of waveguide 12. Therefore,assuming r₃₃=0.3 pm/V, λ₀=1.55 μm, L=10 cm, one need D to equal 4 μm forV_(π)˜50 V. If the input voltage is V_(π/2) as illustrated in FIG. 5 andthe input signal is linearly polarized, one would generate a circularlypolarized output. It should be appreciated that this is merely oneexample of a particular non-linearity induced by poling. It should beappreciated that any desired phase effect may be generated by utilizingthe teachings of the present invention.

Next, we shall discuss how to apply the above teachings to a waveguidesegment having a tunable Bragg grating. It should be appreciated thatthe above devices have been poled while the devices discussed below mayor may not be poled. In addition, details of the general processingsteps are provided.

Tunable Bragg Grating

With reference to the Figures, wherein like references charactersindicate like elements throughout the several views and, in particular,with reference to FIG. 6, a electro-optic waveguide segment having atunable Bragg Grating 10′″ is illustrated. The tunable Bragg gratingwaveguide segment 10′″ comprises a fiber-optic waveguide 12 having acore 14 and cladding 16. Disposed in contact with waveguide 12 is afirst electrical contact 18 and a second electrical contact 20preferably on opposite sides of waveguide 12. Segments of high indexmaterial 28 are formed within core 14 by a process described below. Asmay be seen, there are alternating segments of high index material 28and unmodified core 30, any two forming a period in the Bragg grating.For convenience, only a few periods have been illustrated, it should beappreciated that any number of periods may be formed as described below.

Turning now to the construction of tunable Bragg grating waveguidesegment 10′″, it should be appreciated that the teachings associatedwith waveguide 10 may be used in conjunction with this invention. Thefirst step for manufacturing tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment10′″ is the selective removal of at least a part of cladding 16. FIGS.2, 3, 5 and 6 illustrate how at least a portion of cladding 16 isremoved. While it might appear in FIG. 2 that the cladding 16 iscompletely removed in certain regions, this is not the case. In fact, itis highly undesirable to completely remove cladding 16 in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 2 while cladding 16 may be completely removed in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 6. Applicant has found that by reducingthe thickness of cladding 16, in select regions, so that the distance“D” between proximal faces of contacts 18 and 20 is less than 5 μm, onemay significantly reduce the input voltage to second electrical contact20 and achieve the same tunability of tunable Bragg grating waveguidesegment 10′″. In the alternative, the voltage may be increased and alarger shift may be achieved in tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment10′″. The voltage sensitivity of the operational tunable Bragg gratingwaveguide segment 10′″ is described in detail below.

It should be appreciated that the term input voltage is quite differentthat the voltage used for poling. The input voltage is used forselective control of tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″ whilethe poling voltage is used to create a non-linearity in tunable Bragggrating waveguide segment 10′″. As discussed above, tunable Bragggrating waveguide segment 10′″ does not need to be poled to function andin certain instances, it is undesirable to pole tunable Bragg gratingwaveguide segment 10′″.

While it is preferable to maintain the proximal surfaces of cladding 16in close proximity, it should be appreciated that this removal step maybe eliminated so long as one is willing to induce a higher voltage intotunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″. Additionally, applicantprefers to mechanically polish waveguide 12, but it should beappreciated that any chemical etching or other process means may beutilized to reduce the thickness of cladding 16. Several examples ofother methods include, but are not limited to: chemical etching, ionbeam etching, and laser etching.

The next step in the manufacturing process is the formation of Bragggratings. This is performed in a conventional fashion by ultra-violet(UV) irradiation, using a holographic fringe pattern of two interferingbeams. The uniform grating is constituted by periodic, linearly spacedregions 28 and 30 of alternating high and low refractive index materialextending in the direction of light propagation. Preferably, the gratingas initially formed has a total length of 5 mm and ˜1000 periods. It iscontemplated within the scope of the invention that the length and/orthe number of periods may be modified. It should also be appreciatedthat Bragg gratings may be formed in core 14 and/or cladding 16.Additionally, it is contemplated that other post-processing operationsmay be performed to produce different structures, including for example,structures in which one or more concomitant regions of the grating areexposed to further, localized irradiation and including structures inwhich region of high refractive index 28 is irradiated to furtherincrease the depth of refractive index modulation in that region. Whilethe above discussion focuses on increasing the refractive index inregion 28 with respect to region 30, it should be appreciated that thesame effect may be achieved by reducing the refractive index of region28 with respect to region 30. Therefore, as long as the process changesthe relative refractive index between regions 28 and 30, a Bragg gratingwill be formed. Thus, any process for increasing or decreasing therefractive index is contemplated by this invention. Examples of suchprocesses include, but are not limited to: ion etching, chemicaletching, and ion-implantation.

In the preferred embodiment, the Bragg grating is formed before poling.This is the preferred process when there is: 1) no poling 2) poling byvoltage alone, or 3) poling when thermal processes are involved. This isnot the case in all embodiments. For example, if one is to utilize UVradiation in the poling process, it is preferable to pole first and thenform Bragg grating after the poling step. For the rest of thisdiscussion, we will assume that the Bragg grating is formed beforepoling.

The above description has discussed one particular method of formingBragg gratings. It should be appreciated that any other method know inthe art may be used to form Bragg gratings in conjunction with theteachings of this invention. Examples of such methods include, but arenot limited to: phase masks, etching and redepositing of materials,holographic interfaces and prism interfaces.

After the Bragg gratings are formed, contacts 18 and 20 are deposited inthe polished or removed regions 26. Any process for depositingelectrically conductive material may be utilized in this step.Preferably, a vapor deposition process will be utilized, but otherprocesses such as, but not limited to: sputtering may be substituted. Ina preferred embodiment, contacts 18 and 20 would be made of either gold,chromium, aluminum, and/or nickel. It should be appreciated thatcontacts 18 and 20 may be of similar or different material. Additionallyand material may be used for contacts 18 and/or 20 so long as thematerial has the property of electrical conductivity. Examples of suchmaterials include, but are not limited to: gold, chromium, aluminum,palladium, and nickel. Contacts 18 and 20 preferably have profiles thatdo not exceed the removed region 26 of cladding 16, as shown by thedashed line in FIG. 3. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrates contacts 18 and 20 asbeing at the same level as cladding 16. By having contacts 18 and 20located substantially within removed regions 26, one is able toconstruct a more durable waveguide 12. While this feature may seemsimple, it is counter intuitive in that having less material makes astructure that is substantially more durable in use.

Additionally, the use of a cono-fusical contacts or projections 22and/or 24, such as but not limited to a wire or finger projection, maybe used in conjunction with contacts 18 and/or 20. These contacts orprojections 22 and/or 24 are preferably biased to engage contacts 18,20or cladding 16 (if contacts 18,20 are not present) by a spring or otherwell known biasing means. As discussed above, there is no need forcontacts 18,20 for the poling process. These contacts 18 and 20 arepreferably used in the operational device.

It should be appreciated that by having contact 18 and/or 20 notexceeding removed region or groove 26, two major improvements areachieved. First, the alignment of cono-fusical contacts 22 and/or 24 isassisted by having a groove 26 to reside within. Second, and moreimportantly, the breakdown caused by air gaps is significantly reduced.

It should be appreciated that it is contemplated within the scope of theinvention that contacts 18 and 20 may have profiles that exceed removedregions 26 as illustrated in FIG. 1. While this embodiment would be lessdesirable, it would still provide functionality to tunable Bragg gratingwaveguide segment 10′″ and is considered within the scope of theinvention.

It should be appreciated that any embodiment for waveguide segments 10,10′, and 10″ may be used in conjunction with the teachings for tunableBragg grating waveguide segment 10′″.

In one embodiment, cladding 16 may be entirely removed or partiallyremoved as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5. As may be seen surface 19 isillustrated as being gradually tapered. While a gradual taper is thepreferred embodiment, it should be appreciated that any interface mayexist between cladding 16 and contacts 18 and 20. For example, FIG. 6illustrates an abrupt edge or surface 19. In this embodiment, thematerial for contacts 18 and 20 has the additional feature of beingoptically transparent, i.e., allowing an optical signal to betransmitted therethrough. Examples of materials for opticallytransparent contacts 18 and 20 include, but are not limited to: heavilydoped semiconductor such as polysilicate, indium, tin oxide, galliumarsenide, iridium phosphate, and aluminum arsenide.

Returning to the description of the preferred embodiment, the next stepin the formation of tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″ isoptional. This step is the poling of tunable Bragg grating waveguidesegment 10′″. This process is conducted as discussed above. In anembodiment, tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″ would be poledby exposing waveguide 12 to a 260° C. environment for 15 minutes andapplying a predetermined poled voltage of 4 Kv. It should be appreciatedthat the particular time and/or temperature may be varied andtemperatures between 0° C. and 100° C. as well as times between 0 andthree years are considered within the scope of the invention.

Finally, post-processing steps may be performed such as encasing atleast a portion of tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″ in aprotective coating such as plastic or glass. It should be appreciatedthat this step is optional and is only provided to illustrate thatfurther post-processing steps may be utilized in conjunction with theteachings of this invention.

It should be appreciated that while a particular sequence has beendescribed above, the order of the steps may be modified so long as theteaching of the invention is utilized. An example of such a modificationis the particular step at which the Bragg grating is formed. The gratingmay be formed at any step in the manufacturing process.

Now that the method for forming tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment10′″ has been described, we will discuss how the device functions. Byapplying a voltage (V_(t)), the average refractive index of tunableBragg grating waveguide segment 10′″ is modified. This, in turn, allowstunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″ to affect a wavefront byselectively reflecting and/or selectively passing particular frequenciesthrough tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″. Thus, tunableBragg grating waveguide segment 10′″ may be viewed as a selective gatefor allowing specific frequencies through while reflecting others. Nowthat the general concept has been described, the discussion shall turnto the mathematical relationships that allows for the selective controlof tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″.

The shift (Δλ) in the peak wavelength (λ_(B)) of tunable Bragg gratingwaveguide segment 10′″ is due to a shift in the average refractive indexin tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″. This may be defined as:$\begin{matrix}{{\Delta\quad\lambda} = {{\lambda_{B}\frac{\Delta\quad n}{n}} = {\frac{\lambda_{B}}{2}{rn}^{2}\frac{V_{i}}{D}}}} & (1)\end{matrix}$where r is the appropriate electro-optic (e-o) coefficient in the poledwaveguide, n is the average refractive index of tunable Bragg gratingwaveguide segment 10′″, V_(t) is the applied voltage, D is the distancebetween proximal faces of electrodes 18 and 20.

The Bragg condition is defined as: $\begin{matrix}{\Lambda = \frac{\lambda_{B}}{2n_{m}}} & (2)\end{matrix}$where A is the period of tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″,n_(m) is the effective modal index, and λ_(B) is the Bragg wavelength.

As may be seen, by controlling the formation process, setting the numberof periods, and establishing the average refractive index of tunableBragg grating waveguide segment 10′″ during fabrication, one may designtunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″ to be tunable over anydesired wavelength range. Thus, by pre-establishing the number ofperiods and the average refractive index, the change in wavelength iscontrollable by one variable: the magnitude of the applied voltage(V_(t)). Additionally, tuning speeds up to 10 GHz are capable, makingsuch devices attractive for communication system components such as, butnot limited to: reflection-type amplitude modulators.

This device has been fabricated and experimental results have beengenerated which track closely to the expected results. What follows is adiscussion of a specific experiment and is provided by way of anexample. It should be appreciated that the following is merely oneexample of the teachings of this invention and does not limit thisinvention to the specific design constraints enumerated in the example.

EXAMPLE 1

In this example, a D-shaped fiber optic waveguide 12, manufactured byKVH Corp. and having a 2×4 μm core diameter, was used for Bragg gratingfabrication. This fiber optic waveguide 12 had a 15% GeO₂ concentration.Fiber optic waveguide 12 was processed with the flat side of theD-shaped fiber polished to ˜8 μm from the core, with 1.5″ pigtails.

After polishing, fiber optic waveguide 12 was exposed to hydrogen at 100atm. and 50° C. for 2 days to increase its photosensitivity of waveguide12. Next, the polished section of fiber optic waveguide 12 was exposedto 193 nm radiation from an ArF laser (20 mJ/pulse, 10 Hz) for 20minutes through a phase mask to form the Bragg grating. The Bragggrating formation was monitored by coupling an edge emitting diode(ELED) source through the fiber and observing the transmission spectrumon an optical spectrum analyzer. This process produced a 13 dBreflective grating observed at 1558 nm which degraded to 7 dBreflectivity upon heating at 260° C. for 12 hours; peak reflectivityshifted to 1557 nm.

The fiber was then laid with the flat side down on a silicon (Si)substrate or contact 18 and a 30 μm polyamide layer was spin coatedaround it. After hard-baking the sample at 180° C. for 15 hours, a goldelectrode 20 was deposited over the tunable Bragg grating 10. Thisdevice is illustrated in FIG. 6.

In order to establish a non-linearity in tunable Bragg grating waveguidesegment 10′″, the 70 μm thick fiber optic waveguide 12 was poled with3.3 kV at 260° C. for 15 minutes. The ELED source was mechanicallyspliced to the D-shaped fiber pigtail through a 30:70 coupler whichenables observation of the reflection spectrum of tunable Bragg grating10. The other pigtail was mechanically spliced to a 9 μm core 1550 nmsingle mode fiber. Each mechanical splice had a loss of ˜10 dB primarilydue to the mode mismatch of the two fibers and the difficulty inalignment of the fiber cores.

The reflection spectrum was observed instead of the transmissionspectrum (as done conventionally) since the latter was noisy. FIG. 7illustrates the spectral tuning performance of tunable Bragg grating 10as a function of the applied voltage. As may be seen, ˜0.02 nm (2.5 GHz)tuning is observed for an applied voltage of3 kV.

Thus, the operational device tracks closely with the expected results.

Turning now to FIG. 5, an alternate embodiment of the invention isillustrated. For clarity, like elements have been provided with likereference numeral except that a double prime has been added to eachreference numeral where there is a slight difference in the particularelement in this embodiment. The following discussion will focus on thedifferences between the elements of this embodiment and that of thepreferred embodiment.

As may be seen, a variable waveplate is illustrated as element 10″. Thekey difference between tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10″″ isthe lack of high and low index material 22,22′ which form Bragg gratings10,10′. In all other respects, the teachings for the embodiments forwaveguide segments 10,10′ are applicable for tunable Bragg gratingwaveguide segment 10′″. Another significant difference is that tunableBragg grating waveguide segment 10′″ does not need to be poled.

Other Devices

Turning now to FIGS. 8 through 16, devices that utilize the teachings ofthe present invention are disclosed. It should be appreciated that thesedevices have novel features apart from the inventions discussed above.In particular, devices that discuss tunable Bragg gratings may use thenovel Bragg gratings discussed above or any other know tunable Bragggrating. In addition, devices which discuss the use of electro-opticpoled waveplates, may use the novel variable waveplates discussed aboveor any other waveplate known in the art. The key novelty, other than thespecific configuration, is the departure from the approach of utilizinginterfering wavefronts to selectively control signal propagation, to anew approach of utilizing polarization control to selectively controlsignal propagation.

Modulator

The first device, illustrated in FIG. 8, is a modulator 40 thatpreferably utilizes the electro-optic waveguide 10′″ illustrated in FIG.6. As may be seen, modulator 40 comprises a fiber segment which isconventional in nature. An unmodulated input is inserted into this fibersegment which then comes into contact with tunable Bragg gratingwaveguide segment 10′″. Tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″ hasbeen designed to reflect a particular frequency and pass all otherfrequencies for a particular DC input voltage V_(t) as illustrated inFIG. 7. Instead of applying a DC voltage, an AC input voltage V_(s) isapplied to Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″. This input voltage isillustrated in FIG. 9. As may be seen, FIG. 9 is a graph of wavelengthv, intensity for the modulator illustrated in FIG. 8. This AC inputvoltage causes the reflected wavelength to shift as discussed above inthe operation of tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″. Indevices employing other tunable Bragg gratings, a suitable controlsignal would be applied. Thus, two modulated outputs are generated, thereflected output is reflected back to the input port. The output portreceives a modulated output which has a substantially reduced reflectedfrequency component.

Michelson Interferometer

The second device, illustrated in FIG. 10, is a Michelson interferometer50 that preferably utilizes the electro-optic waveguide 10′″ illustratedin FIG. 6.

In long-haul WDM-based telecom and datacom systems, the individual WDMchannels undergo unequal amplification due to the non-flatness in thegain spectrum of the erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) 52. Theamplified spontaneous emission (ASE) of optical amplifiers cansignificantly degrade the performance of WDM systems by saturating thegain of the EDFA. Variations in the gain within the bandwidth of theerbium amplifier will be compensated for by applying appropriatevoltages to the different tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″in arm 58 and detuning their reflection spectra with respect tocorresponding gratings 60 in the other arm 56 of Michelsoninterferometer 50.

The amplitude of the different input wavelengths after passing throughthe EDFA will preferably be split into two equal parts by the 50:50coupler 54. These wavelengths will be reflected by appropriatelydesigned matched Bragg gratings 10′″ and 60 written in the two arms56,58 of Michelson interferometer 50 of which one arm 58 will consist oftunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″. In an alternateembodiment, both arms 56,58 would utilize tunable Bragg gratingwaveguide segment 10′″. For example, conventional Bragg gratings 60 maybe replaced by tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″. This isillustrated in FIG. 10 by dashed boxes over Bragg gratings 60.

Upon reflection, the different wavelengths from arms 56 and 58 willinterfere with each other and exit through output port 68. Preferably, a95:5 coupler 62 at output port 68 will tap off 5% of the differentwavelengths and feed them to an optical spectrum analyzer 64 whichdetects any variation in the amplitude for the different wavelengths andcommunicates it to the control signal generator 66 which in turncontrols the input voltage to tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment10′″.

Turning now to an example, suppose the amplitude of the wavelengthchannel at λ₁ is larger than that of the other channels, control signalgenerator 66 will send an appropriate voltage to tunable Bragg gratingwaveguide segment 10′″ and cause a shift in the reflection spectrum of arespective tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″. Such acontrolled mismatch in the reflectivities in the two arms 56,58 of theinterferometer 50 should enable very precise gain equalization. V_(t)=5V=>1 GHz offset=>0.3 dB detuning.

The proposed device is novel enough that there is no conventionaldevices to compare it with. However, the device that has a similarfunctionality is a acousto-optic tunable filter; but such devices arenot as rugged as the electro-optic tunable filter described above andalso involves exciting undesirable higher order modes in the fiber.

One possible drawback of the above Michelson interferometer-based deviceis that the two arms of the interferometer have to maintain a constantphase difference of π/2 for it to work without any back reflectionlosses. This can be circumvented by using a non-interferometric schemedescribed below. In this embodiment, coupler 54 would be replaced with apolarization splitter. The details of the polarization splitter areprovided in conjunction with the discussion of FIG. 12.

Frequency Modulators

The third device, illustrated in FIG. 11, is a modulator 70 thatpreferably utilizes the electro-optic waveguide 10′″ illustrated in FIG.6. Tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″ (whose bandwidth is muchsmaller compared to that of the input radiation) is biased in such a waythat its reflection spectrum corresponds to the linear portion of theinput radiation spectrum. Any change in the input voltage Vs will alterthe refractive index of tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″which in turn shifts the reflection spectrum of the Bragg gratingdisposed in tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″. Thereby theamount of input radiation that is reflected is varied. If thetransmitted or reflected radiation is monitored we will observe amodulated light signal that resembles the modulating input voltage Vswaveform as discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 8 and 9. A majoradvantage of this scheme over conventional modulators is its simplicity.Furthermore, the modulated output can be extracted either as thetransmitted or the reflected radiation due to this in-line all-fiberdevice.

To construct a frequency modulator 70 from the teachings of modulator40, a broadband dichroic mirror 74 is introduced at the input end offiber 76. Radiation is launched into the fiber 76 to form a laser cavitywith mirror 74 at one end and tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment10′″ at the other end. Tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″ isdesigned to give a narrowband reflection spectrum at the flat portion ofgain bandwidth of the rare-earth-doped fiber 76. Hence the laser willproduce radiation only within the narrow band of frequencies defined bytunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″ reflection spectrum.

Applying a modulating voltage to tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment10′″ changes the local refractive index of the poled fiber section whichin turn shifts the reflection spectrum of tunable Bragg gratingwaveguide segment 10′″ and hence modulates the output frequency of thefiber laser 70.

Conventional frequency modulation is done using a distributed feedback(DFB) semiconductor laser diode which has the drawback of chirping athigh modulation frequencies (>100 MHz). Moreover, such laser diodes arenot capable of producing a good circular spatial beam quality that isessential for efficient coupling into single-mode fibers. The proposeddevice can be modulated up to GHz frequencies and its all-fiberconstruction makes it attractive for splicing with other single modefibers with negligible insertion loss.

Wavelength Add-Drop Multiplexer or Filter

The fourth device, illustrated in FIG. 12, is a wavelength add-dropmultiplexer or filter 80 that preferably utilizes poled electro-opticwaveguide 10, 10′ and/or 10″ illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5.

In this scheme, polarization beamsplitter 84 splits the input randompolarization 82 into two orthogonal linear polarization states. Theselinear polarization states are converted to circular polarization statesby poled electro-optic waveguide 10, 10′ and/or 10″ below and denoted ase-o in FIG. 12. Upon reflection from the Bragg gratings 60, the circularpolarization changes its handedness and are subsequently converted tolinear polarization states (orthogonal to the initial linearpolarization state) upon passing through poled electro-optic waveguide10, 10′ and/or 10″.

The polarization beamsplitter 84 works such that the verticalpolarization switches over to the cross-port and the horizontalpolarization goes to the through-port. Since the linear polarizationstates become orthogonal with respect to the original polarization stateafter being reflected by Bragg gratings 60, the light exits through theoutput port as two linear orthogonal polarizations.

In an alternate embodiment, tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″may be utilized in place of or in conjunction with Bragg gratings 60. Inthis embodiment, tunable Bragg grating waveguide segment 10′″ may beconfigured to lie between two frequencies of interest and then shiftedto either of these frequencies by the application of an appropriateinput voltage. Thus, the device would be capable of adding or droppingsignals at two distinct frequencies.

Low insertion loss (<1 dB), low cross-talk (<−30 dB), and polarizationinsensitive add/drop multiplexers/filters (ADM) are attractive for highbit-rate WDM-based datacom and telecom applications. As discussed above,the random input polarization state 82 is split into two linearcomponents by polarization beamsplitter 84. The linear polarizations areconverted to circular polarization preferably by poled tunable λ/4 plate(or poled electro-optic waveguide 10, 10′ and/or 10″). Upon reflectionby grating 60, the polarizations of the wavelength channel correspondingto the Bragg wavelength (λ₁) are flipped to orthogonal states afterpassing through the tuned λ/4 plate. This channel then exits throughport 2 which is denoted by reference numeral 86. Another channel (alsoat λ₁) can be added through port 5, denoted as reference numeral 92,using the same principle.

Bragg grating 60 in the above device is not perfectly matched to thesource wavelengths and quite often the grating spectrum has to beshifted after the grating fabrication. Tunable Bragg grating waveguidesegment 10′″ is an elegant solution to this problem. Furthermore, it canalso be used to match the reflection spectra of the gratings written onthe two arms of the device described above.

If several wavelengths need to be simultaneously filtered among theinput wavelengths, several matched tunable Bragg grating waveguidesegment 10′″ (that are resonant at those particular wavelengths) can bewritten on the two arms 88,90 of the above device 80. This feature isunique to the polarization manipulation-based scheme used in our device.

In conventional Mach Zehnder interferometer-based wavelength add-dropfilters, the two arms have to be phase-matched; i.e., the lightpropagating in the two arms should maintain a constant phase differencebetween them. This is difficult to achieve in practice, and is affectedby changes in temperature and strain of the fiber. The proposed deviceis much more attractive compared to Mach Zehnder interferometer-basedfilters because of the non-interferometric scheme (its operation is notphase-sensitive) used.

High-Speed Switch

The fifth device, illustrated in FIG. 13, is a high-speed 1×2 switch 100that preferably utilizes poled electro-optic waveguide 10, 10′ and/or10″ illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5.

Random input polarization 82 is split in to two linear components bypolarization beamsplitter 84. Polarization beamsplitter 84 is designedin such a way that the vertical polarization mode goes through in thesame input fiber 106 whereas the horizontal polarization mode switchesover to the coupled fiber 102,104. If no voltage is applied to poledelectro-optic waveguide 10, 10′ and/or 10″ (denoted as e-o in FIG. 13),the vertical polarization mode goes through to port 7, the horizontalpolarization mode couples back to the original input fiber and henceboth the linearly polarized modes exit through port 7.

If a voltage of V_(π) is applied to poled electro-optic waveguide 10,10′ and/or 10″, it acts as a half-wave-plate and rotates thepolarization mode in the two arms 88,90 to its orthogonal linearpolarization modes. The original vertical polarization becomeshorizontal polarization and couples into port 8. Similarly the originalhorizontal polarization in the other arm becomes vertical polarizationand also exits through port 8.

The major advantage in the above device is the non-interferometricscheme employed which makes the operation of the switch relativelyinsensitive to environmental (such as temperature and strain) variationsand any relative phase changes between the two arms 88,90 of the device100.

Amplitude Modulator

The sixth device, illustrated in FIG. 14, is an amplitude modulator 110that preferably utilizes poled electro-optic waveguide 10, 10′ and/or10″ illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5.

The principle of operation of this device is similar to that of the 1×2switch 100 described above except that the voltage applied to the poledsection in this case is a continuous waveform instead of the discrete DClevels employed in the above device. In contrast to the 1×2 switch 100where the linear polarization states in the two arms 88,90 are switchedbetween two discrete states, the variable waveplate continuously changesthe polarization state in the two arms into elliptical, circular, andlinear polarization states. These polarization states are resolved bythe polarization beamsplitter 84 at the output end to distribute thelight in the two arms at port 5 and 6 between ports 7 and 8. Thus, if wemonitor one of the output ports (7 or 8) we will detect modulated lightwhose waveform resembles that of the voltage applied to poledelectro-optic waveguide 10, 10′ and/or 10″.

The major advantage in the above device is the non-interferometricscheme employed which makes the operation of the switch relativelyinsensitive to environmental variations. Moreover, a DC bias voltage isnot required as for the case of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer basedamplitude modulator conventionally used.

Reflection Isolators

The seventh and eight devices, illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, arereflection isolators 120,120′ that preferably utilizes poledelectro-optic waveguide 10, 10′ and/or 10″ illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3,and 5.

The polarization beamsplitter 84 is designed to pass the input linearlypolarized (vertically polarized in the case illustrated above) laserradiation and cross-couple the orthogonal polarization. The poledelectro-optic waveguide 10, 10′ and/or 10″ (denoted as e-o in FIGS. 15and 16) is configured to act as a quarter-wave-plate which converts thelinear polarization into circularly polarized light.

Upon reflection from external components 102, the circular polarizationreverses its handedness (to attain the orthogonal polarization state)and after passing through poled electro-optic waveguide 10, 10′ and/or10″ becomes horizontally polarized. The polarization beamsplitter 84subsequently cross-couples this polarization so that it exits throughport 2. Thus any reflected radiation is prevented from reaching thesource 122 or in other words, the polarized source 122 is “isolated”from any reflections from external components.

If the radiation from the laser source 122′ is not linearly polarizedbut has a definite polarization (circular or elliptical), then we canintroduce a poled electro-optic waveguide 10, 10′ and/or 10″ at theinput end of the isolator device 120′ and convert the input polarizationto linear polarization of desired orientation. In case the inputpolarization is random, the isolator will still perform the functiondescribed above but will involve an additional insertion loss of up to 3dB.

There is no comparable all-fiber isolator that has been demonstrated todate. The conventional device is a bulk Faraday isolator which involvescoupling light out of the fiber and then back into the fiber and therebyintroduces an insertion loss of >1 dB.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presentinvention has many uses and applications and may be practiced other thanwere specifically described herein. There are a host of applications forthe invention, some of which are listed here: 1) integrated Mach-Zenderinterferometers and other switching structures for high speed switching;2) A/D conversion, 3) waveguide crossbar switches, 4) electronicallytunable filters for communication multiplexers/demultiplexers; 5)waveguide optical parametric oscillators; waveguide sum and differencefrequency generation; and 6) second harmonic generation in waveguideswith counter-propagating fundamental frequency beams.

Although the present invention has been fully described in conjunctionwith the preferred embodiment thereof with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, it is to be understood that various changes and modificationsmay be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes andmodifications are to be understood as included within the scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they departtherefrom.

1. A method for manufacturing an electro-optic waveguide segment havinga core and a cladding; the method comprising the steps of: forming aBragg grating in said waveguide segment; removing a first selectiveportion of said cladding above at least a portion of said Bragg gratingto form a first recess within said cladding, said first selectiveportion having an outer dimension which is less than an unmodifiedsection of said cladding; depositing a first electrically conductivematerial covering at least part of said first selective portion and indirect contact with a deepest portion of said first recess, therebyforming a first electrode, wherein there are substantially no air gapsbetween said first electrode and said first recess; removing a secondselective portion of said cladding to form a second recess within saidcladding, said second selective portion having an outer dimension whichis less than an unmodified section of said cladding, said first andsecond selected portions not contacting one-another; depositing a secondelectrically conductive material covering at least part of said secondselective portion and in direct contact with a deepest portion of saidof said second recess, thereby forming a second electrode, wherein thereare substantially no air gaps between said second electrode and saidsecond recess; and poling said waveguide segment using at least aelectric field applied to either said first or second electrode toinduce an non-linearity in said waveguide segment.
 2. The method recitedin claim 1, wherein said first recess is substantially filled with saidfirst electrically conductive material.
 3. The method recited in claim2, wherein said first electrically conductive material is opticallytransparent.
 4. The method recited in claim 1, wherein said secondrecess is substantially filled with a second electrically conductivematerial.
 5. The method recited in claim 4, wherein said secondelectrically conductive material is optically transparent.
 6. The methodrecited in claim 1 wherein said poling step is performed usingultraviolet light injected into said waveguide segment in combinationwith said electric field.
 7. The method recited in claim 1, wherein saidpoling step is performed using said electrical field in combination withheating said waveguide segment.
 8. A method for manufacturing anelectro-optic waveguide segment having a core and a cladding; the methodcomprising the steps of: forming a Bragg grating in said waveguidesegment; removing a first selective portion of said cladding above atleast a portion of said Bragg grating to form a first recess within saidcladding, said first selective portion having an outer dimension whichis less than an unmodified section of said cladding; depositing a firstelectrically conductive material covering at least part of said firstselective portion and in direct contact with a deepest portion of saidfirst recess, thereby forming a first electrode, wherein there aresubstantially no air gaps between said first electrode and said firstrecess; removing a second selective portion of said cladding to form asecond recess within said cladding, said second selective portion havingan outer dimension which is less than an unmodified section of saidcladding, said first and second selected portions not contactingone-another; depositing a second electrically conducive materialcovering at least part of said second selective portion and in directcontact with a deepest portion of said second recess, thereby forming asecond electrode, wherein there are substantially no air gaps betweensaid second electrode and said second recess; and poling said waveguidesegment using ultraviolet light injected into said waveguide segment toinduce an non-linearity in said waveguide.
 9. A method for manufacturingan electro-optic waveguide segment having a core and a cladding; themethod comprising the steps of: forming a Bragg grating in saidwaveguide segment; removing a first selective portion of said claddingabove at least a portion of said Bragg grating to form a first recesswithin said cladding, said first selective portion having an outerdimension which is less than an unmodified section of said cladding;depositing a first electrically conductive material covering at leastpart of said first selective portion and in direct contact with adeepest portion of said first recess, thereby forming a first electrode,wherein there are substantially no air gaps between said first electrodeand said first recess; removing a second selective portion of saidcladding to form a second recess within said cladding, said secondselective portion having an outer dimension which is less than anunmodified section of said cladding, said first and second selectedportions not contacting one-another; depositing a second electricallyconductive material covering at least part of said second selectiveportion and in direct contact with a deepest portion of said secondrecess; and poling said waveguide segment by heating said waveguidesegment in combination with ultraviolet light injected into saidwaveguide segment to induce an non-linearity in said waveguide segment.10. A method for manufacturing an electro-optic waveguide segment havinga core and a cladding; the method comprising the steps of: removing afirst selective portion of said cladding to form a first recess withinsaid cladding, said first selective portion having an outer dimensionwhich is less than an unmodified section of said cladding; removing asecond selective portion of said cladding to form a second recess withinsaid cladding, said second selective portion having an outer dimensionwhich is less than an unmodified section of said cladding, said firstand second selected portions not contacting one another; depositing afirst electrically conductive material within said first recess and indirect contact with a deepest portion of said first recess, therebyforming a first electrode, wherein there are substantially no air gapsbetween said first electrode and said first recess; depositing a secondelectrically conductive material within said second recess and in directcontact with a deepest portion of said second recess, thereby forming asecond electrode, wherein there are substantially no air gaps betweensaid second electrode and said second recess; and poling said waveguidesegment using at least a electric field applied to said first and secondselective portions to induce a non-linearity in said waveguide segment.11. The method for manufacturing recited in claim 10, further comprisingthe step of forming a Bragg grating in said waveguide segment.
 12. Anoptical switch, comprising: first and second optical fibers, each havingan input and an output, the first optical fiber input being configuredto receive an unpolarized input light signal; a first polarizationbeam-splitter coupled to the first and second optical fibers andconfigured to convert the unpolarized input light signal in the firstoptical fiber to a first linear polarization state and to convert theunpolarized input light signal to a second linear polarization state,orthogonal to the first linear polarization state, in the second opticalfiber; a first electro-optic waveguide disposed in the first opticalfiber and configured for operation in a first operational state to passthe light having the first linear polarization state in an unalteredpolarization form and configured for operation in a second operationalstate to rotate the polarization of light having the first linearpolarization state; a second electro-optic waveguide disposed in thesecond optical fiber, and configured for operation in the firstoperational state to pass the light having the second linearpolarization state in the unaltered polarization form and configured foroperation in the second operational state to rotate the polarization oflight having the second linear polarization state; and a secondpolarization beam-splitter coupled to first and second optical fibersand configured to combine the light from the first and second opticalfibers into an unpolarized output light signal at the first opticalfiber output when the first and second electro-optic waveguides areconfigured for operation in the first operational state and to combinethe light from the first and second optical fibers into an unpolarizedoutput light signal at the second optical fiber output when the firstand second electro-optic waveguides are configured for operation in thesecond operational state wherein the optical switch operates in anon-interferometric manner.
 13. The switch of claim 12 wherein the firstand second electro-optic waveguides each include a control input forselection of the first or second operational state.
 14. The switch ofclaim 13 wherein the first and second electro-optic waveguide controlinputs are configured to accept a control input signal having a firstdiscrete signal level for selection of the first operational state and asecond discrete signal level for selection of the second operationalstate.
 15. The switch of claim 13 wherein the first and secondelectro-optic waveguides control inputs are configured to accept avariable control signal wherein the first and second electro-opticwaveguides are configured for variable operation between the first andsecond operational states in dependence on a level of the variablecontrol signal whereby an amplitude modulated output light is producedin the first and second optical fibers.
 16. The switch of claim 13wherein the first and second electro-optic waveguide control inputs areconfigured to accept an input voltage for selection of the first orsecond operational state.
 17. The switch of claim 12 wherein the firstand second electro-optic waveguides are poled electro-optic waveguides.18. The switch of claim 12 wherein the first polarization beam-splitteris configured to convert the input light signal to the first and secondorthogonal linear polarization states comprising a vertical polarizationand a horizontal polarization, respectively.
 19. The switch of claim 18wherein the second polarization beam-splitter is configured to combinelight having the vertical polarization and light having the horizontalpolarization in the first optical fiber when the first and secondelectro-optic waveguides are configured for operation in the firstoperational state.
 20. The switch of claim 18 wherein the secondpolarization beam-splitter is configured to combine light having therotated vertical polarization and light having the rotated horizontalpolarization in the second optical fiber when the first and secondelectro-optic waveguides are configured for operation in the secondoperational state.
 21. The switch of claim 12 wherein the firstelectro-optic waveguide disposed in the first optical fiber furthercomprises the first electro-optic waveguide disposed in a first sectionof optical fiber and spliced to a second section of optical fiber.
 22. Amethod of optical switching, comprising: receiving an input light signalhaving an unpolarized polarization state; converting the polarizationstate of the input light signal to a first linear polarization state ina first optical fiber and to a second orthogonal linear polarizationstate in a second optical fiber; in a first operational state, passingthe light having the first linear polarization state and the lighthaving the second linear polarization state in an unaltered form;combining the light having the first and second linear polarizationstates to produce light having both orthogonal linear polarizationstates in the first optical fiber when operating in the firstoperational state; in a second operational state, rotating thepolarization of light first optical fiber from the first linearpolarization state to the second linear polarization state and rotatingthe polarization of light in the second optical fiber from the secondlinear polarization state to the first linear polarization state; andcombining the light having the rotated first and second linearpolarization states to produce light having both orthogonal linearpolarization states in the second optical fiber when operating in thesecond operational state.
 23. The method of claim 22, further comprisingaccepting control input signal for selection of the first or secondoperational state.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein accepting thecontrol input signal comprises accepting a control input signal having afirst discrete signal level for selection of the first operational stateand a second discrete signal level for selection of the secondoperational state.
 25. The method of claim 23 wherein accepting thecontrol input signal comprises accepting a control inpt signal having avariable signal level to permit variable operation between the first andsecond operational states in dependence on a level of the variablecontrol signal whereby an amplitude output light is produced in thefirst and second optical fibers.
 26. The method of claim 22 whereinconverting the polarization state of the input light signal to the firstand second orthogonal linear polarization states is performed by apolarization beam splitter disposed along the first and second opticalfibers.
 27. The method of claim 22 wherein rotating the polarization oflight having two orthogonal linear polarization states is performed byfirst and second electro-optic waveguides disposed in the first andsecond optical fibers, respectively.
 28. The method of claim 27 whereinthe first and second electro-optic waveguides are poled electro-opticwaveguides.
 29. The method of claim 22 wherein converting thepolarization state of the input light signal to the first and secondlinear polarization states comprises converting the polarization stateof the input light signal to orthogonal linear polarization statescomprising a vertical polarization and a horizontal.